Université Catholique de l’Ouest French Language Standalone Program

Language Standalone
Globally Recognized
Delivery Method:
In-Person
Duration:
Multi Term, Single Term

About the Program

Established in 1875, the prestigious and private Université Catholique de l’Ouest is one of the oldest universities in France, known for its superior academics and research. In the heart of Angers, a city famed for its history and art, UCO’s six strong multidisciplinary faculties work together as “an open, committed, and responsible community” to “respond to the needs of society.” Study here for a quintessentially European experience.

Royals, archbishops, politicians, and leading thinkers are notable alumni

Château d'Angers and the Apocalypse Tapestry two big Angers attractions

Head to Paris for a city break or France’s Atlantic coast for the beach

Museums, galleries, bistros, and cafés, Angers is ideal for la belle vie

Fall 2024 Language
Program dates:
Early September - Late January
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
13,790

Program Advisor

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Student Counselor SAFFY
Your Student Counselor is your study abroad ambassador and supporter. They join your application journey when you’ve confirmed you’re interested in studying abroad. At this point, they guide you through each stage of the application, notify you of the documents you need, let you know when your admission results are in, and walk you through the next steps, including class enrollment and organizing pre-arrival tests.
Schedule a Consultation

At a Glance

Language of Instruction:
French
Language Prerequisite Level:
Beginner
Academic Level:
Undergraduate, Graduate
Academic Strengths:
Biological & Physical Sciences, Business, Economics & Finance, Math, Language, Linguistics & Cultural Studies, Music, Film & Performing Arts
Housing:
Homestay
Visa Required:
Maybe

Stay Healthy & Safe While You Study Abroad

WHAT STUDENTS SAY

Shimura Hiiragi

At Christmas, I had Champagne, oysters, and foie gras with my parents and relatives at my homestay.

Université Catholique de l’Ouest SAF Alumni

IES Program Paris 06

About the University

Universite Catholique de L'Ouest

Established in 1875, the prestigious private University Catholique de l’Ouest has a story that stretches back to the 11th century and has celebrated alumni including royals, archbishops, politicians, and leading thinkers. It is little surprise, then, that many Angers students are art and history enthusiasts. 

Over the centuries, UCO has grown to an institution covering nine campuses with six strong multidisciplinary faculties working together as “an open, committed, and responsible community” to “respond to the needs of society.”

Learn more at Universite Catholique de L'Ouest's official website

Academics

Université Catholique de l’Ouest's Academic Approach

Learning French at UCO means having quality instructions from qualified language teachers who have respect for student learning. At UCO, improving your French language skills is not limited to the classroom or the language center, but instead it extends into living with a French family, meeting French students at the university, and participating in program excursions through cultural and university events.

Courses

Classroom Hours

You have around 21 hours of tuition but contact time varies by language level placement. 

*SAF program fee tuition rate is based upon enrollment in 21 hours of language instruction per week.

Language Levels

Classes range from CEFR A1 to C2, with each language level following core courses that focus on general written and spoken French:

  • Oral comprehension
  • Writing comprehension
  • Oral expression
  • Written expression

Elective Courses

You can take elective courses in

  • Art history
  • French history
  • History of music
  • Philosophy
  • Theology
  • French Politics
  • European Politics

 

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Application Requirements

When applying to study abroad, you must meet the entry requirements set by the host university—and SAF is here to set you up for success.

The requirements outlined in this section include the language proficiency scores you may need to demonstrate your language skills, a guide to the GPA range and other academic prerequisites required by your host university, and a list of documentation and other application materials you will need to finalize your application. You may need to supply additional information throughout the process, and you will be alerted through your emails and SAF Student Portal if this is the case for you.
  • Language Proficiency
  • Academics & GPA
  • Application Documents & Materials

Language Test Score Requirements

There are no requirements to join this program.

Learn More About Language Requirements

Program Dates

When studying abroad, you will want to consider the time of year and how long you are away. Most programs follow the host university's academic calendar.

The dates shown below are general estimates, and as you get closer to the start of the term, you will get more detailed information from SAF. If you have any questions, your Student Counsellor and Program Specialist are always here to support you and point you to the correct information.

Fall 2024 Language

Program dates:
Early September - Late January
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
13,790

Fall 2024 Language + Spring 2025 Language

Program dates:
Early September - Early June
Application Deadline:
Fees Starting From:
22,260

Housing Information

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Homestay

The SAF program fee covers a comfortable room in a friendly homestay with a French-speaking family.

*Housing is subject to availability. For specific questions regarding housing please contact SAF.

About Angers

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Why Angers

Angers: In the picturesque Loire Valley, between Paris and the Atlantic Ocean, Angers holds quality of life in high esteem. It is famous for its lakes and rivers, gardens and arboretum, its excellent local restaurants and bakeries, and its prestigious history as home to royals, archbishops, politicians, and thinkers. 

Learn more about Angers

Student Health & Safety

We champion health, safety, and security. As part of IES Abroad, the largest study abroad organization in the United States, we have set the standard for health and safety in study abroad for decades. We plan for the ‘what if’, so you can get on with the experience of a lifetime.
International Health Insurance

International health insurance included in the cost of your program

24/7 Emergency Phone Support

Total coverage to support you while traveling and in your new city

Location-Specific Information

Health and safety information prepared based on your destination

Health In Your Language

Highly trained multilingual staff to connect you to healthcare providers

Secure Housing

Quality, safe, secure housing within close proximity to your classes

Dedicated Expertise

Protection by a Dean of Students Office advocating for your interests

Orientation

On Arrival

Your SAF pre-departure process will arm you with all the information you need for a smooth arrival to your new campus, city, and country.

To Housing

Your SAF program will include a safe transfer from your arrival airport to your new study abroad housing. We'll even provide you with top tips to make the most of your new city!

Home Sweet Home

Your SAF Program Specialist will coordinate with you to ensure you have arrived safely and settled into your new secure housing.

Keeping You Safe

As you settle in, you will learn about the SAF emergency alert system, our 24/7 phone support, and any safety concerns relevant to you.

Get Social

Your new university and SAF will arrange social and cultural events so that you can meet other study abroad and local students. Make the most of your adventure!

Advising and Support

The process of studying abroad could quickly feel overwhelming, but we have been doing this for decades and do everything we can to support you through it. 

Many SAF staff are alumni and have walked this path. They have real-life experience to draw on as they advise and support you through every step of our comprehensive services. They’re in your corner, taking care of all the details and explaining what you need to do next.

Take the first step in your study abroad journey by scheduling a consultation with your closest Student Counselor. You can discuss your for-credit academic courses and language programs and explore internships, research programs, and study tours. When you know what you want to do, we guide you through the pre-program steps, help you arrange your visa and transport, and finalize your accommodation or digital experience.

Get To Know Our Application Process

From academics to visa requirements, our structured process helps you choose the right program and university for your goals. Complete a strong application, and prepare for success abroad.

Personalize Your Study Abroad Plan With Your SAF Counselor

Each student has unique academic goals for a study abroad experience. As you think about studying abroad, your SAF Counselor will help you plan for success and support you every step of the way.

Commonly Asked Questions About Studying Abroad

Student Blogs

Upcoming Events

Why Travel With SAF?

Studying abroad is an unforgettable experience, one that stays with you in your career, your contacts, your future. It can define you. At any of our prestigious university partners, you can build personalized for-credit programs that can last up to a whole year.

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